Hi all, I've decided that I'm going to treat myself to my birth year Speedmaster Professional in the new year but I'm not comfortable enough to simply pick a piece from a set of photos and pony up the money. I've previously made a mistake buying a Mk II that turned out to be a year later than I thought. So, the year in question is 1971. That, I think, means I'm looking for a 145.012-69 with a movement in the 31.6m range. Preferably on a 1039 or 1171 bracelet (I have an 1171 bracelet so I wouldn't be too concerned if it was the head only). So, first question: anyone know the acceptable range of numbers I'm looking for? Caseback should be the hippocampus with "Speedmaster" curved above the head, but the "First watch.." caseback is also right as that came out in 1970 - am I right in that? The bezel should have the narrow C and dot next to 70 (as well as DN90)? Pretty certain the 220 bezels were only out for a short while in 1970 - yes? Finally, the handset - the seconds hand would have the triangular counterweight if I've got all this right. Any hints and tips would be much appreciated and, please, point out anything I'm mistaken with or have missed altogether. Thanks.
It's not that easy... the serial numbers are not sequential. Otherwise you will need extracts as a -68 could be sold or made in 68-71 But if you want a 70 your kinda in luck. You can go with a straight writing which I believe are all 1970. http://speedmaster101.com/145-022-straight-writing/
There is no watch in question yet ... I'm trying to cover the bases before I even bother coming back with actual watches I'm considering.
71 could be 28m to 32m. The numbers where not sequential but a 71 would have to be a -69 http://speedmaster101.com/145-022-69/ They all have the same hands and bezel. Only way to verify a 71 is via extract. You might be able to narrow it down by caseback. But that is beyond my knowledge, it would have to have the later moon back I think but that only narrows to 2 years I think.